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Metal thieves strike at primary schools across Cornwall

Metal thieves have been targeting schools across Cornwall, including one in Redruth.

Police say there have been four thefts of lead from roofs in schools in Cornwall between July 18 and July 25.

Thieves struck at Trewirgie Junior School, Redruth sometime between 3pm on Friday, July 19, and 2pm on Monday, July 22, removing lead from the roof. Police ref (AC/13/2889).

On Sunday, July 21 St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bodmin was targeted between 9pm and midnight. Police believe lead was removed from different parts of the upper school buildings. Police ref (BB/13/1183).

Around £20,000 worth of lead was taken from the roof of the old school building at St Dennis School in St Austell overnight on July 18 or July 19, sometime before 8.45pm.Police ref (GA/13/2188)

Sometime between 5.10pm on Thursday, July 25 and 7.55am on Friday, July 26, £1,500 worth of lead was stolen from Biscovey Junior Academy School in Par. (GW/13/586)

Police are urging the public to report anything suspicious.

Sergeant Paul Jones, neighbourhood team leader for St Austell, said: “There is no doubt these crimes are happening because the schools have closed for holidays.

“Stripping lead off the roof takes some time and the suspects often have ladders propped up against walls and flash lights at night to assist them.

“If you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity at a school please get in touch with the police.”

Anyone with information about this recent spate of thefts is asked to call police on 101 quoting the relevant crime reference number.